Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket

Table of Contents

Why Make This Recipe

Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket are a fun and delicious twist on two popular snacks. They combine the spicy kick of jalapeños with the savory goodness of cocktail wieners, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. These tasty bites are perfect for parties, game day, or just a fun family snack. Plus, they are easy to make and require simple ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store.

How to Make Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket

Ingredients:

• 18 fresh Jalapeño Peppers
• 36 Cocktail Wieners (such as Lil’ Smokies)
• 3 sheets Puff Pastry, thawed
• All-purpose flour (for dusting)
• 8 oz Cream Cheese, room temperature
• 6 oz Extra Sharp Cheddar, freshly shredded
• 1 large Egg (for egg wash)
• Pretzel Salt (optional, for sprinkling)
• Marinara Sauce or Honey Mustard (for dipping)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. Cut the tops off the jalapeño peppers and slice each one in half lengthwise.
4. Use a small spoon to scoop out and discard all seeds and membranes.
5. Place a cocktail wiener into a halved jalapeño. Cut the pepper so that it is roughly the same length as the wiener. Set the sized pepper segments and wieners aside.
6. In a medium bowl, combine the room-temperature cream cheese and shredded extra sharp cheddar. Stir until the mixture is uniform and smooth.
7. Fill each jalapeño pepper segment with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture.
8. Press a cocktail wiener on top of the cheese so it sticks to the filling.
9. On a lightly floured surface, unroll one sheet of thawed puff pastry.
10. Cut the sheet into 6 equal strips, then cut those strips in half cross-ways to create 12 equal-sized rectangles.
11. Wrap one pastry rectangle around each stuffed pepper piece, sealing the edge with a bit of whisked egg.
12. Place them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheets.
13. Brush the tops of all the wrapped pigs with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle lightly with pretzel salt if desired.
14. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is deep golden brown and puffed.
15. Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then use a knife to gently detach any crispy cheese bits from the pastry before serving warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

How to Serve Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket

Serve these delightful bites warm, alongside marinara sauce or honey mustard for dipping. They make a great finger food for gatherings, or you can serve them as a fun appetizer before dinner.

How to Store Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.

Tips to Make Jalapeño Popper Pigs in a Blanket

• Make sure to wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation on your skin.
• You can adjust the amount of cream cheese and cheddar cheese based on how cheesy you want them.
• If you prefer less heat, use fewer jalapeños or choose milder peppers.

Variation

For a different flavor, try using smoked sausage instead of cocktail wieners, or add diced bacon to the cheese mixture for an extra savory bite.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them and store them in the fridge before baking. Just add a few more minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can use any cheese you like, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for a unique flavor.

What can I serve with these besides marinara and honey mustard?
You can also try ranch dressing, sriracha sauce, or a spicy aioli for dipping.

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